"Major boost" - Mayo town set for 35 new affordable homes with €2.6m housing announcement

Minister of State Alan Dillon has confirmed formal approval for 35 new Affordable Purchase homes in Snugboro, Castlebar, marking what he described as a significant milestone for home ownership in Mayo.

The Department of Housing granted Mayo County Council €2,625,000 in support through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) — equivalent to €75,000 per home.

The homes will form part of the wider Heather View development in Snugboro, a 99-unit scheme representing an overall investment of more than €30 million.

The 35 affordable properties will be delivered under Section 7 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and will be offered at a minimum of 15 percent below current open market value.

Describing the announcement as a 'major boost' for the county town, Minister Dillon said:

“This is a significant day for Castlebar and for Mayo. Over the past 18 months, I have worked closely with Mayo County Council, the Department of Housing and Sayvale to drive this project forward, resolve obstacles and ensure these 35 affordable homes secured the funding required. Today’s approval is the direct result of that sustained collaboration.”

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The 35 affordable homes will consist of a balanced mix of property types. These will include six two-bedroom end-of-terrace houses and four two-bedroom mid-terrace houses. The development will also provide eleven three-bedroom end-of-terrace homes, eight three-bedroom mid-terrace homes, and six three-bedroom semi-detached houses.

Construction on the scheme is progressing well, with the homes expected to be completed in late 2026 or early 2027.

Minister Dillon said the development would make a meaningful contribution to housing supply in the county town.

“These new affordable homes will give young families and first time buyers the real chance to own a home in their own community. This is exactly what Housing for All is designed to achieve. The Snugboro scheme strengthens Castlebar’s housing supply, supports the local construction sector and underpins long term economic growth,” he said. “Castlebar is growing, and demand for affordable, secure home ownership is stronger than ever. I will continue working [...] to maintain momentum and secure further housing investment across Mayo.”

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The Minister also paid tribute to the council’s housing team and the project developer for their role in bringing the scheme to approval stage.

“I want to sincerely thank Mayo County Council, particularly the Housing team Tom Gilligan and Oliva Gallagher for their professionalism, persistence, and commitment to ensuring this project met all AHF requirements. Their detailed work in preparing the submission was absolutely essential.”

He further acknowledged Sayvale Ltd, led by Austin Currie and Tom Corrigan, for their continued investment in Castlebar and their decision to establish a local office in Mayo.

Meanwhile, Mayo County Council has confirmed it is seeking expressions of interest from contractors and developers for additional affordable housing schemes in Ballina, Castlebar and Westport, as efforts continue to expand access to home ownership across the county.